Indiana American Water Installs First Drinking Water PFAS Treatment System in Indiana

Rhea-AI Summary

Indiana American Water (NYSE:AWK) commissioned Indiana's first public-water PFAS treatment system at its Charlestown plant, with the nearly $6 million granular activated carbon upgrade going online in December 2025 and a ribbon-cutting on Jan 29, 2026.

The Charlestown facility serves about 3,000 customers (~8,000 residents); the project was financed via Indiana's State Revolving Fund loan program and builds on the plant commissioned in 2022.

Positive

• $6 million investment in PFAS removal technology
• First PFAS treatment in an Indiana public water system (per IDEM)
• Charlestown plant serves ~3,000 customers (~8,000 residents)
• Financed with lower-cost State Revolving Fund loan

Negative

• Coverage limited to ~3,000 customers, so statewide reach is narrow
• Future PFAS upgrades in other communities depend on available funding

Key Figures

Pre-news share price: $127.05 PFAS system investment: Nearly $6 million Prior plant investment: $16 million +3 more

6 metrics

Pre-news share price $127.05 AWK price before PFAS system headline

PFAS system investment Nearly $6 million Charlestown PFAS treatment system project cost

Prior plant investment $16 million Charlestown water treatment plant commissioned in 2022

Customers served 3,000 customers Charlestown facility customer count

Population served About 8,000 residents and businesses Charlestown service area size

Water sold to neighbor 4 percent of daily production Share sold to Marysville-Otisco Nabb Water Corporation

Market Reality Check

Price: $129.00 Vol: Volume 1,458,520 vs 20-da...

normal vol

$129.00 Last Close

Volume Volume 1,458,520 vs 20-day average 1,442,901, indicating trading near typical levels before this news. normal

Technical Shares at $127.05 were trading below the 200-day MA of $138.32 and about 18.3% under the 52-week high.

Peers on Argus

Ahead of this PFAS announcement, AWK was down 2.67%. Multiple regulated utility ...

Ahead of this PFAS announcement, AWK was down 2.67%. Multiple regulated utility peers like WTRG (-2.93%) and ATO (-1.78%) also traded lower, while FE was roughly flat (+0.06%). Scanner data did not flag a coordinated sector momentum move.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Jan 27 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Jan 27	Infrastructure investment	Positive	-0.2%	California unit invested $4.7M in new Sacramento Contempo groundwater well.
Jan 23	Operational preparedness	Positive	-1.4%	New Jersey unit implemented measures to prepare systems for winter storm.
Jan 22	Customer guidance	Positive	-1.4%	Iowa unit advised customers on protecting plumbing during extreme cold.
Jan 22	Funding secured	Positive	+0.4%	Pennsylvania unit received $6.18M PENNVEST package for two projects.
Jan 21	Treatment investment	Positive	-0.3%	California unit invested $6M in Fox Park plant to remove hexavalent chromium.

Pattern Detected

Recent positive infrastructure and service-focused news often coincided with modestly negative price moves in the following session.

Recent Company History

Over the past weeks, American Water units have highlighted multiple investments and regulatory funding wins. California American Water announced a $4.7 million Contempo well project and a separate $6 million Fox Park treatment plant to address hexavalent chromium. Pennsylvania American Water secured over $6.1 million in PENNVEST support for lead line replacement and wastewater upgrades. Several weather‑preparedness updates in New Jersey and Iowa emphasized reliability. Despite generally constructive fundamentals, share reactions often leaned slightly negative following these announcements, similar to the pre‑news weakness in AWK shares.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlights a nearly $6 million PFAS treatment investment at Charlestown, layered o...

Analysis

This announcement highlights a nearly $6 million PFAS treatment investment at Charlestown, layered onto a prior $16 million plant to enhance drinking water quality for about 8,000 residents and businesses. It underscores American Water’s broader trend of targeted capital projects and regulatory-supported upgrades seen across recent news and filings. Investors may watch how such local treatment enhancements scale across other systems and how regulators reflect these projects in future rate decisions.

Key Terms

per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, pfas, granular activated carbon

3 terms

per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances medical

"system designed to remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS."

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of man-made chemicals known for resisting water, grease and heat, used historically in products like nonstick cookware, firefighting foams and stain-resistant fabrics. They matter to investors because PFAS can persist in the environment and people, prompting strict regulations, cleanup costs, product liability and shifting consumer demand — like a hidden leak that can suddenly require expensive repairs and change a company’s future cash flow and reputation.

pfas medical

"designed to remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS."

PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals used in many everyday products, such as non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, and food packaging, because they resist heat, water, and grease. They are often called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down easily in the environment or the human body, potentially leading to health concerns. For investors, the presence of PFAS-related risks can impact companies’ reputations, legal liabilities, and future costs.

granular activated carbon technical

"includes the granular activated carbon or GAC system and also supports infrastructure"

Granular activated carbon is a highly porous, sand-like form of carbon that acts like a microscopic sponge to trap impurities, chemicals, and odors from water and air. Investors pay attention because its demand and price reflect spending on clean-water and air-treatment projects, regulatory cleanup requirements, and certain industrial or energy applications; changes in supply, technology or rules can affect revenues and capital needs for companies that make or use it.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

CHARLESTOWN, Ind., Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Indiana American Water held a ribbon cutting ceremony today at its Charlestown water treatment plant. The company announced that the facility is now operating Indiana's first drinking water treatment system designed to remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS. The nearly $6 million system investment, which went online last month, marks another major milestone in protecting public health and improving water quality for the community.

"We are proud to partner with Indiana American Water on this important project," said Treva Hodges, Mayor of the City of Charlestown. "Access to high-quality drinking water is essential for the health and well-being of our community, and this new treatment system shows a forward-thinking approach to community safety. Continued improvements to our water system have helped Charlestown achieve a higher quality of life and have spurred community growth, making our city an even more attractive place to live and invest."

According to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), this is the first PFAS treatment installation in a public water system in the state. PFAS are a group of manufactured chemicals that have been used for decades in industrial and consumer products and are known for their persistence in the environment and potential health risks.

To celebrate this milestone, an official ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on January 29, 2026, with local officials, community leaders, and Indiana American Water representatives in attendance.

"This investment underscores our continued commitment to delivering safe, clean, and reliable water to our customers," said Barry Suits, President of Indiana American Water. "By proactively addressing PFAS, we are leading the way in Indiana and setting the standard for future water quality improvements across the state. This project also provided us with an opportunity to gain valuable experience in adding PFAS treatment, which will guide and inform similar upgrades at other systems as we make these investments over the coming years." 

This investment builds on Indiana American Water's commitment to Charlestown, following the commissioning of the $16 million water treatment plant in 2022. The PFAS upgrade is supported by Indiana's State Revolving Fund Loan Program, which allows the company to finance the project at a lower cost than traditional loans. This additional investment includes the granular activated carbon or GAC system and also supports infrastructure such as pumps, piping, electrical systems, and controls. Charlestown was selected for this enhancement because the original plant was designed to accommodate future improvements, making it an ideal location for this advanced treatment technology.

The Charlestown facility serves approximately 3,000 customers, or about 8,000 residents and businesses, with four percent of its daily production sold to neighboring Marysville-Otisco Nabb Water Corporation. Indiana American Water's Water Quality Reports, published annually, confirm that all Indiana American Water systems meet or surpass federal and state drinking water standards.

Future PFAS Investments in Indiana

Indiana American Water is committed to expanding PFAS treatment capabilities across other service areas. Plans are underway for similar upgrades to its water systems in Terre Haute, Johnson County and other communities as funding becomes available. These investments are part of a broader strategy to ensure compliance with evolving water quality regulations and to safeguard public health for generations to come.

Curious about PFAS and how they impact your water?

Indiana American Water is committed to providing safe, high-quality water and keeping its customers informed about emerging contaminants like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). A dedicated PFAS resource page explains what PFAS are, why they matter, and what steps the company is taking to help ensure water meets the highest standards. Learn more about PFAS and our proactive approach by exploring the full details here.

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable, and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's 6,700 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors, and other stakeholders. For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

About Indiana American Water
Indiana American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable, and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.5 million people. For more information, visit amwater.com/inaw and join Indiana American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

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SOURCE American Water

FAQ

What did Indiana American Water (AWK) announce on January 29, 2026 about PFAS treatment?

They announced Charlestown's plant is operating Indiana's first public-water PFAS treatment system. According to the company, the nearly $6 million GAC upgrade went online last month and was marked by a ribbon-cutting on Jan 29, 2026.

How many customers does the Charlestown PFAS treatment system serve for AWK?

The Charlestown facility serves about 3,000 customers, roughly 8,000 residents and businesses. According to the company, four percent of daily production is sold to a neighboring utility, Marysville-Otisco Nabb Water Corporation.

How was the Charlestown PFAS project financed by Indiana American Water (AWK)?

The project was financed using Indiana's State Revolving Fund loan program for lower-cost financing. According to the company, that support reduced financing costs compared with traditional loans for the nearly $6 million upgrade.

What technology did AWK install to remove PFAS at Charlestown's plant?

Indiana American Water installed a granular activated carbon (GAC) PFAS treatment system with related pumps, piping, electrical, and controls. According to the company, the GAC system is part of the plant upgrade that went online recently.

Will AWK expand PFAS treatment to other Indiana systems and where?

Yes. According to the company, plans are underway for similar upgrades in Terre Haute, Johnson County, and other communities as funding becomes available. These investments aim to address evolving water quality regulations and public health protection.